Keeping rubber eyepiece cups & handgrips soft and supple

[Wilso]

Hi all,

I read a thread on CN the other day about a similar question & nobody came up with a good solution.
So I thought I'd post my google research here as I'm not a member there.
Anyways the best thing that I found to use on rubber is actually talcum powder.
It's actually used in the manufacturing process to keep rubber soft and supple, to absorb moisture from oil/grease and to cut down on friction. (contains silicone element)
Also maintains the elasticity of rubber and will not dry out or damage it in any way.

So I gave it a go on my TMB 40mm paragon eye cup and grips.
All done and dusted.

Hope this helps. Only time will tell! :thumbsup:

[RAJAH235]

It also works well on your cars rubber window/door seals.
:)

[DarkArts]

There's a German-made automotive rubber cleaner/protector I've been using for the last decade (several people I know also use it). IMHO, it's a fantastic product. For example, it makes old rubber door seals look brand new and keeps them that way for years. It's water-based/solvent-free.

It's called EINSZETT Gummi Pflege.

You can get it here (https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/external-plastics-trim/products/einszett-gummi-pflege-stick).

[Wavytone]

TBH while I appreciate the good intentions, often people futzing with their gear are misguided. I wouldn't put talc anywhere near my eyepieces.

The soft supple feeling is cosmetic, it does not soak into the rubber and you're now on my list of people I won't buy eyepieces from.

[Wilso]

That's ok Wavy,
the reason I used it on my 40mm TMB paragon is there are some responses on CN about the hand grips cracking and falling off. (didn't want this to happen)
I also did the rubber eyecup when it was removed and went over it numerous times with a lens brush and bulb blower to remover excess. Still seems to be coated very lightly, perhaps sticking to the oil from face and hands.
All good.

[Don Pensack]

Talcum powder has recently been found to be carcinogenic, so I would hesitate to use it.
Nonetheless, keeping the rubber protected from ozone (the primary cause of deterioration, with sunlight a prime second cause), a substance like Armor-All or its imitators could be used. Tire black could also work.
Unfortunately, I don't know how to prevent these protective agents from rubbing off on your eye socket.
Keep the eyepieces away from sunlight and in the case if not in use and the rubber eyecups should last a long time.
And you might be able to get some replacement parts if the eyepieces come from a big company like TeleVue, Explore Scientific, or Vixen.

[GAL1LEO]

Putting my eyes and eyelashes near eyepieces scares me.
Anything else would cause me to not sleep at night lol

[ab1963]

At the end of the day 10-15yrs down the track when the rubber eyeguard could break down might cost you $20 to replace, What's the drama and am i missing something ?

[RAJAH235]

An alternative is called "French Chalk."

As noted....Talcum powder, err, specifically, "Johnson's Baby Powder"
has now been found to contain "Asbestos" in some form.
Not good for baby's bum, I suspect.

[sharpiel]

Would that be ass-bestos then..?